54 S2E54 - Hahaha... Unless?

"What if I wasn't joking?"

Without thinking, it comes out. Almost immediately, my face grows hot. I hurriedly let go of her and cough,

"Ahem… Ah… Anyways…"

I stumble over my words, shocked at my lack of thought when speaking. Yeah, I know that she's interested… But I didn't really know if I was… Judging by how my heart is racing…

"Uhm…"

Amy's voice cuts through my thoughts,

"W-Well… Are you… Into girls?"

I look at her and see her looking up at me with doe eyes. I want to say yes. I really do. Just as I'm about to answer, I have an image flash into my mind. I think back to V. I see her looking at me like that. And I see an axe being plunged into her head. I feel sweat drip down my forehead as I look at her, and feel my heart race a little. I turn to look away and say,

"I… Don't know…"

I look down at the ground and face away from her. God dammit Penny… Why didn't you just say yes? I sigh internally as I curse myself. I feel a hand on my shoulder, and hear Amy speak,

"It's alright… I can wait for you."

I turn around and see her looking at me with a sad, but understanding smile. I give her a smile and softly say,

"Thank you."

After a few seconds of silence, Amy decides to speak up again,

"So, what's your plans for today?"

We continue walking as I answer her,

"Well, first things first, finishing off this patrol. Then, I'd like to start going over with the group on our actual plans for the prison while everyone is gathered for lunch. I'll take some volunteers to go help us clear the place out starting tomorrow. And… I'd like to try and convince Hershel and his family to come with us. From what I can tell, he's stubborn as a bull and thinks he can either protect his farm or die trying because he grew up there. But, I don't think he realizes that if he does that, he'll be damning his family to die with him."

Amy nods her head and says,

"Yeah, he's definitely pretty old fashioned. That kind of thinking worked in modern society, but with the way things are, he could have a horde show up at his doorstep at any moment. Or a big group of fucked up people could show up. Dunno which is worse, honestly."

Without an ounce of hesitation, I give her an answer,

"People. You know what happened to towns that were destroyed in ancient times?"

Amy shakes her head,

"History wasn't really my strong suit."

I give her a serious look,

"The men were killed or tortured and the women were raped and sometimes enslaved or killed. Humanity is a naturally violent race. We may not act like it, but we all enjoy a bit of violence. Some like vocal violence, others physical. We like making others suffer so that we feel better. And based on what I've seen out there,"

I point out in a random direction,

", his pretty daughters would end up being toys, while him and the rest of 'em would be killed. It's not pretty, and it's an awful thing to think about, but it's the truth."

Amy nods her head,

"Shane told everyone about what happened. I just wanna say that I'm sorry you had to go through that."

I sigh and look down at the ground, stopping my walk for a second. I look up at her and say,

"Thanks."

She gives me a smile and walks backwards, swinging her hips slightly while saying,

"Well, I'm gonna go play with Clem and Sophia. Maybe I can build a little bridge with them. Hope they still like dolls!"

I wave at her, and watch as she walks away. I catch myself watching her hips specifically, and give myself a few light cheek slaps to get myself back focused.

Suddenly, I get the feeling of being watched and turn towards the woods, aiming my gun. I speak to Amy as she walks and say,

"Run. I think we got company!"

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AN: Sorry for the short chapter. dialogue is hard.

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